compressor lines?

[bigstick509]

I'm thinking of buying the HF air hose reel http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46104 , I would like to mount it on ceiling next to overhead electrical line reel.My guestion is what type of hard walled pipe would be easiest and most cost effective, I would guess the total line length between the compressor and reel location will be 20 foot.Also, does anyone have any pros or cons with doing the overhead install.

[monte]

I plumbed the air lines in my shop using 3/4" rigid copper with sweated fittings. I run a max pressure of 125# on the lines and have not had any problems at all. At each outlet I have a combo regulator and filter too. I use a single stage 5 hp stationary compressor that is in another room of the shop so I can keep it away from the dust and I don't have to listen to it running either.
HTH

[scmhogg]

Mike,

I have the HF reel mounted on the ceiling, and find it very handy. As my compressor is close to the reel, I used a rubber compressor hose extension bracketed to the wall and ceiling.

Do NOT use PVC. The PVC can hold the pressure. But, if you have a fire, the PVC will melt and supply a blowtorch effect until the compressor fails.

Steve

[gmack5]

quote:Originally posted by scmhogg
Do NOT use PVC. The PVC can hold the pressure. But, if you have a fire, the PVC will melt and supply a blowtorch effect until the compressor fails. Steve

Not only that, but if the PVC line should rupture, it will explode, throwing shards in all directions, propelled by 150# of pressure.

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by gmack5

quote:Originally posted by scmhogg
Do NOT use PVC. ...

Not only that, but if the PVC line should rupture, it will explode, throwing shards in all directions, propelled by 150# of pressure.

as opposed to metal pipe which merely splits. Much safer than the shrapnel (PVC) failure.

[lrogers]

3/8" or 1/2" sch 40 black iron is easy to do and will last for a good long time. Lowes/Home Depot will the thread the sections for a small fee or you could rent a powered pipe vice and threader and do it your self. What ever you decide to run (stay away from PVC has all ready mentioned) be sure you install a low point drain and valve, a ball valve works great, so you can blow out condensation.
When I mounted my reel, I had a section of high pressure hose made with quick connects and used that between the compressor and reel.

[MBG]

I just mounted one last weekend. I used black iron pipe but my run was only 10'. I put a QD fitting about 3-4' off the ground so I could still move the compressor around if needed. I have a friend at work that has a large compressor in his basement and ran a line to his garage - he used thick walled copper.

I've been looking at the HF hose reels for a while. The 25' just didn't seem to be long enough. I bought the 50' one below. It's substantially heftier than the 25' one. You may want to consider this one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=46320

[rja]

I have used 250 lb. working pressure 3/8" rubber air hose in my entire shop successfully for many years. You can buy the hose in bulk and make your own fittings out of cast iron tees and hose barbs and connect everything together with hose clamps. The line easily goes around corners and into odd configurations. When you need an additional air drop all you need is a sharp knife and your tee fitting for an instant extension. The air line works best when you have a continuous loop so that any air tool extension can be fed from both directions.

[bigstick509]

Thanks all, were else can you get great advice,excellent info and helpful suggestions. This forum should be the prototype in regards to the genuine friendly atmosphere of everyone that posts. I've decided that the rubber air hose approach that rja and scmhogg posted makes more sense in my situation. With a small amount of both time and money invested, I will not feel to badly when I talk myself into spending more cash on a upgrade in the future. I think that spending cash for new and better toys(tools) is half the fun,as is the covert enjoyment of gradually bringing them out into the shop so as not to arouse LOML #2. You gotta love it!

[Jim-Iowa]

if you decide to plumb it wit Black pipe, you might want to think of a couple things. larger dia. pipe will increase yout tank capicity(volume). And if you run it across the ceiling and run droppers you might want to run a dropper nipple(6"?) below the tee for your quick connector with a petcock. That would allow you to drain off any condensation in the lines.

[Tom Miller]

Firstly, I plumbed with 1/2" copper -- roughly a 40' run.

Secondly, since I did the math re: increasing tank capacity, I thought I'd share the numbers.

50' of 1/2" pipe adds 1/2 gallon capacity (i.e. no big deal)
Using 3/4" pipe slightly more than doubles that (1.1 gallon)
And 50' of 1" pipe y 2 gallons.

Regards,
Tom

[bigstick509]

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread to share some pics of what I ended up doing. As you will see, I decided to go with regular rubber hose. I also built a cabinet to house the compressor and some power tools.



Now all I have to do is figure out how to elevate the two cars that are kept in my (shop) garage and I'll be all set.